Water is essential for human life. It makes up about 60% of our body weight, and we can’t survive without it. Nutritionists like Gregory Burbelo in Baltimore City, Maryland, know not only is water necessary for survival, but it’s also vital for our overall health. Drinking enough water is one of the simplest things we can do to improve our health!
Water Is Important For Many Reasons
Gregory Burbelo says drinking enough water each day is vital for numerous reasons. Water helps to lubricate the joints, protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, regulate body temperature, and flush waste from the body. In addition, water is essential for proper digestion and can help to prevent constipation.
Moreover, water is a critical component of saliva, which helps to keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. Finally, drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Dehydration can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. For these reasons, drinking at least eight glasses of water daily is vital.
While many people get most of their fluid from beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda, it is essential to remember that these drinks also contain caffeine and other chemicals that can have adverse side effects. In addition, sugary drinks can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay. For these reasons, it is best to stick to plain water when possible. Of course, there are also times when it is necessary to increase the fluid intake even further.
For example, people who are very active or live in hot climates may need to drink even more than eight glasses per day to prevent dehydration. Listening to your body and drinking when you are thirsty is vital. By doing so, you can ensure that you stay properly hydrated and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
What Happens If You Don’t Drink Enough Water?
Gregory Burbelo says dehydration occurs when more fluids are lost than consumed. The body needs water and can only get it through food or drinks. To stay hydrated, people need to consume enough fluids throughout the day. Depending on their activity level, climate, and overall health, people may need to drink more or less water. The recommended daily amount is eight glasses, which may not be enough for everyone.
If a person doesn’t drink enough fluids, they will become dehydrated. The early symptoms of dehydration are thirst and dry mouth. As the body loses more water, other symptoms can develop, such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to more severe problems, such as heat stroke or kidney stones. Drinking fluids regularly throughout the day is crucial to prevent these problems.
While it is possible to drink too much water, this is usually only a problem for people with certain medical conditions. For example, people with heart or kidney problems may need to limit their fluid intake. However, healthy adults don’t need to worry about drinking too much water. Consuming more than eight glasses daily is often necessary to stay adequately hydrated, especially in hot weather or if you are very active.
If you are concerned that you are not drinking enough fluids, there are some easy ways to tell. The best way to check if you’re dehydrated is to look at the color of your urine. If it is dark yellow or orange, this is a sign that you need to drink more fluids. You can also keep track of how much water you’re consuming each day and how often you have to urinate. If you urinate less than usual or your urine is very dark, this may signify dehydration.
How To Get Enough Water A Day
There are a few different ways to ensure you’re drinking enough water daily. One of the easiest ways is to carry a water bottle with you and take sips throughout the day. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting enough fluid even if you’re away from home or the office.
Gregory Burbelosays another option is to set reminders on your phone or computer to drink water regularly. Some people find it helpful to fill up a pitcher of water in the morning and ensure they finish it by the end of the day. Some apps can help track your water intake and ensure you’re meeting your goals.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, there are plenty of ways to make it more palatable. For example, you can add slices of fruit or herbs to infuse them with flavor. Many types of water enhancers on the market can give your water a fruity or minty taste without adding calories.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, drinking enough water each day is essential for good health. By ensuring you’re getting enough fluids, you can enjoy all the benefits, such as improved mental clarity and increased energy levels. If you’re unsure how much water you should drink, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for guidance. They can help you create a personalized plan to ensure that you stay properly hydrated.